ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
GST rate on all Electric Vehicles reduced from 12% to 5% and of charger or charging stations for EVs from 18% to 5%
Hiring of electric buses by local authorities exempted from GST
Changes in GST rates shall be effective from 1st August, 2019
The 36th GST Council Meeting was held here today Via Video Conference under the chairmanship of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Thakur besides Revenue Secretary Shri Ajay Bhushan Pandey and other senior officials of the Ministry of Finance. The Council has recommended the following:
- GST rate related changes on supply of goods and services
- The GST rate on all electric vehicles be reduced from 12% to 5%.
- The GST rate on charger or charging stations for Electric vehicles be reduced from 18% to 5%.
- Hiring of electric buses  by local authorities be exempted from GST.
- These changes shall become effective from 1st August, 2019.
- Changes in GST law:
- Last date for filing of intimation, in FORM GST CMP-02, for availing the option of payment of tax under notification No. 2/2019-Central Tax  dated 07.03.2019 , to be extended from 31.07.2019 to 30.09.2019.
- The last date for furnishing statement containing the details of the self-assessed tax in FORM GST CMP-08 for the quarter April, 2019 to June, 2019 , to be extended from 31.07.2019 to 31.08.2019.

DSM/RM/HP
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Vice President's Secretariat
The world is looking positively towards India: Vice President
India should become the healthiest and most ideal parliamentary democracy;
VP urges people to observe decorum, discipline and civic sense;
Addresses an informal get-together organised by the friends and well-wishers
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the world was looking positively to the Indian reforms and the development agenda undertook by the government.
Speaking at an informal get-together organised by the Vice President’s friends and well-wishers on the completion of his two years in office, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh today, he said that the world was looking with renewed interest towards India. “India has now become an attractive destination for investments,” he added.
The Vice President said that India’s age-old civilizational values, its commitment to peace and non-violence and the revolutionary reforms like Goods and Services Tax have attracted the attention of the world. Despite the global slowdown India continues to be the fastest-growing large economy, he pointed out.
While noting that India was the largest Parliamentary democracy, Shri Naidu said that the time has come for transforming it into the healthiest and most ideal parliamentary democracy. He also stressed that accountability and transparency have to be maintained at all levels in public life.
Shri Naidu stressed the need for people in all walks of life to observe decorum, discipline and civic sense and urged people in public life to raise the standards of discourse.
Shri Naidu, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha advised public representatives to always interact with common people and try to fulfill their aspirations.
Referring to abrogation of Article 370, the Vice President called upon the people to speak in one voice and remain united as it concerned the unity and integrity of the country.
Ministry of Defence
SOUTH KOREAN NAVAL SHIPS VISIT CHENNAI
Republic of Korea  Navy Cruise Training Task Group consisting of two naval ships, ROKS Hansando and ROKS Daecheong arrived in Chennai on a three-day visit on 28 Sep 22.
Rear Admiral Kang Dong-goo, Commander of Cruise Training Task Group along with Capt Ko Dae-jong, Commanding Officer ROKS Daecheong, Cdr Park Jin-sung, Commanding Officer ROKS Hansando and other officials of the consulate of Korea had discussions with the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area on matters of common interest on 28 Sep 22.
During the visit, professional interactions and friendly sports activities are scheduled between the personnel of the Indian Navy and ROK Navy. The goodwill visit strengthens the ties between the navies of the two nations. The task group led by Rear Admiral Kang Dong-goo is docked at Chennai port for a goodwill visit.
ROKS Hansando is South Korea's first dedicated training ship and ROKS Daecheong is the logistics support ship.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Prime Minister’s flagship program e-NAM has achieved another milestone by commencing inter-State trade between mandis using e-payments
“e-NAM is not just a scheme but it’s a journey which aims to reach out to the last mile farmer and transform the way agricultural produce is sold :- Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary, DA&FW
With the start of New Year 2019, the Prime Minister’s flagship program e-NAM has achieved another milestone by commencing inter-State trade between mandis of two different States. Earlier trade used to happen either within the APMC or between two APMCs situated within same state. The very first Inter State transaction in tomatoes has been carried out between trader of Bareilly e-NAM APMC of Uttar Pradesh and farmer of Haldwani e-NAM APMC of Uttarakhand. Similarly, the inter -State transactions in potatoes, brinjal & cauliflower have been carried out between the e-NAM mandis of Uttarakhand & Uttar Pradesh. In all the cases, e-payments have been made through e-NAM portal. This will helps farmers get better market access, more buyers/ traders & realise better prices for their produce.
To facilitate inter State trade between the e-NAM States, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India, conducted series of coordination meetings with concerned States and Mandi board officials/ Mandi secretaries. As a result of these interactions, both the States have now facilitated licensing of traders of each other for inter-State trade on e-NAM portal.
E-NAM i.e. National Agriculture Market is a pan-India electronic trading  portal which seeks to network the existing physical regulated wholesale market  through a virtual platform to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. e-NAM platform promotes better marketing opportunities for the farmers to sell their produce through online competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facility. It also promotes prices commensurate with quality of produce. The e-NAM portal provides single window services for all APMC related information and services. This includes commodity arrivals, quality & prices, buy & sell offers & e-payment settlement directly into farmers’ account, among other services.
Farmers can access the information on e-NAM easily through their mobile phones from anywhere. This online trading platform aims at reducing transaction costs, bridging information asymmetry and helps in expanding the market access for farmers. So far, 585 Regulated Markets of 16 States and 2 Union Territories have been integrated to e-NAM platform. Government has also decided to integrate additional 415 markets by March, 2020. “Logistic providers” information is also being provided in the e-NAM portal to traders from outside the State, which will facilitate transportation of commodities after trading. An Inter-State dashboard on e-NAM platform has been developed to promote inter State trade among e-NAM States.
Ministry of Railways
ECoR RECOGNISES THE INSPIRING WOMEN OF RAILWAYS
ECoR celebrated International Women's Day 2023
Celebrating the achievements of Railway Women on the eve of International Women’s Day
50 Railway Women felicitated for their outstanding performance and dedication in duty
International Women's Day 2023 celebrated by East Coast Railway today at Railway Auditorium in association with East Coast Railway Women's Welfare Organization .
Gracing the occasion, East Coast Railway General Manager Shri Manoj Sharma congratulated the Railway Women for their sincerity and dedication while performing their duties. General Manager also praised the outstanding women employees who brought laurels not only for Railways but also for the country. Shri Sharma further stated that, our women Loco Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots, Guards, Trackmen including women employees from Signal & Telecom, Women Staff of Railway Health Sector and Railway Protection Force  working hard for safety and security for our valuable passengers. The women employees at other places in ECoR are also working hard to bring this Railway to the apex level.
Addressing to the audience on the eve of International Women’s Day, ECoRWWO president Smt. Divya Sharma told that Women play pivotal role in the growth of the nation! Women empowerment leads Nations to grow and Civilizations to progress and also praised the indomitable spirit of every woman and womanhood.
Joining as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Smt. Arundhati Senapati, Senior Consultant of Railway Central Hospital also spoke on the occasion and praised womanhood and dedication of women Railway employees for their outstanding services at the time of crisis and Pandemic period. She also delivered lecture on Women Health especially identifying the diseases and its eradication.
General Manager Shri Sharma and ECoRWWO President Smt Divya Sharma also felicitated 50 Railway Women for their sincerity and dedication in work while performing their duties and also performing outstanding in various competitions organised to mark International Women’s Day 2023. Cultural events on Women Empowerment were also performed by the women employees of Railways.
Additional General Manager of East Coast Railway Shri Sharad Kumar Srivastava along with senior officials also graced the occasion. Shri Tushar Kanti Mandal, Principal Chief Personnel Officer of East Coast Railway co-ordinated the programme and Dy Chief Personnel Officer Shri Prakhar Gupta offered vote of thanks. International Women's Day also organised at all the three Divisional Headquarters at Khurda Road, Waltair & Sambalpur.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, visits Patiala and review healthcare facilities
Union Health minister discussed health challenges of Punjab with Dr. Balbir Singh, State Health Minister
Hon’ble Union Health Minister paid homage at Kali Devi Mandir and Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, visited Patiala and reviewed the healthcare facilities in the city today. Dr. Mandaviya visited the NEET PG exam center in Patiala, where he interacted with the staff and students and observed the facilities.
Union Health Minister reviewed the healthcare services and infrastructure in Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. He inspected the hospital's facilities and held discussions with the hospital administration and medical staff to gain insights into the healthcare challenges and needs of the region.
During his visit, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also visited Kali Devi Mandir and Gurudwara Shri Dukhniwaran Sahib at Patiala to pay his respects. He also interacted with the devotees and community members.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Mandaviya met with the Health Minister of Punjab, Dr. Balbir Singh, and discussed the healthcare challenges faced by the state. Dr. Balbir Singh submitted a detailed memorandum of demands regarding upgradation of health services and infrastructure in Punjab. The two ministers held discussions on ways to improve the quality of healthcare and access in Punjab. They also discussed the measures being taken by the government to address the public health issues in Punjab. Talking about the Aam Aadmi Clinics, the State Health Minister demanded immediate provision of central assistance for critical care blocks in government hospitals and health services in urban and rural areas of Punjab.
Speaking at a press conference at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the need for collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare.
The Union Minister's visit to Patiala is a part of the government's efforts to assess and improve healthcare facilities across the country. Dr. Mandaviya's interactions with the medical staff, students, community members, and the Health Minister of Punjab, show the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in providing quality healthcare and promoting collaboration between the central and state governments.
Ministry of Mines
Status of National Mineral Exploration Trust
The MMDR Act, 1957 was amended in March 2021 and now the amended Act mandates NMET as a nonprofit autonomous body. The autonomy of functioning will give the NMET the necessary flexibility to achieve its desired objectives.
Ministry of Mines has received approval from Department of Expenditure  to create 12 new posts for NMET.
Ministry of Mines has taken the following steps to boost the mineral exploration in the country-
- The MMDR Act 1957 was amended in March 2021 to make provision for funding of private exploration agencies from National Mineral Exploration Trust . So far, nine agencies have been notified under the second proviso to Section 4 of the MMDR Act.
- Geological Survey of India has given thrust on Pan-India mapping projects like National Geochemical Mapping, National Geophysical Mapping, National Aero-Geophysical Mapping and Specialized Thematic Mapping programmes which are expected to contribute immensely to delineate new potential areas for further systematic mineral exploration.
- OGP area has been updated with incorporation of more baseline and exploration data and has been increased to 6.88 lakh sq.km for 18 minerals from a previous figure of 5.71 lakh sq.km for 10 minerals.
- Following MEMC Amendment Rules 2021, 252 Geological Memorandums have been handed over to the concerned State Governments for auctioning as composite licence.
- NMET has streamlined the process of sanction and release of funds for fast implementation of exploration projects. A Scheme of partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for Composite Licenses  holders has been formulated for exploration of certain minerals. NMET provides financial assistance for strengthening of exploration infrastructure of Central Government organizations & State DGMs/DMGs.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM salutes the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child on National Girl Child Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has saluted the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child on National Girl Child Day.
“We salute the skills, strengths and fortitude of the girl child. We are proud of the accomplishments of the girl child in various fields”, the Prime Minister said.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition of 100% shareholding of the Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited by Manipal Health Enterprises Private Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition of 100% shareholding of the Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited by Manipal Health Enterprises Private Limited.
Manipal Health Enterprises Private Limited  is a part of Manipal Educational and Medical Group, operating a network of hospitals, providing multi-specialty care. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multi-specialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to homecare. MHEPL is not engaged in any business activity outside India, except in Malaysia.
Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited  is a private healthcare company providing high quality, affordable, accessible health care and began its operations in India in 2005. CAHPL operates a chain of eleven multi-specialty hospitals and one tele radiology business. CAHPL is not engaged in any business activities outside India. However, it is a part of International Columbia US LLC, an international healthcare group, which operates a chain of modern hospitals across India, China and Africa.
Detailed order of the Commission will follow.
Ministry of Education
UNESCO India Africa Hackathon Inaugurated
UNESCO India Africa Hackathon was inaugurated at Gautam Buddha University with a grand opening ceremony. The program extensively focused upon promoting engagement and collaboration of the student communities in India with the communities of African nations to develop ingenious and out-of-the-box strategies to tackle the problems faced by mankind.
A flag parade by the contingents of all participating countries marked the beginning of the opening ceremony. Each country's contingent was introduced by the master of ceremony and detailed information about the respective country was shared with the audience. The crowd cheered and encouraged the contingents while they marched past the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath mentioned about the strong historical ties between India and African countries. He thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for choosing UP as venue for this one of its kind initiative in the world. He further added that this event will take India Africa relations to a new level. He mentioned that we are one of the leading nations in the realm of start-ups and invited delegates to visit the place of cultural and historical importance in Uttar Pradesh. While welcoming the African students, he beckoned them to be a part of startups and innovation culture here in India. He also invited students to study in India and be India's innovation partners. He concluded by extending his best wishes for a successful UNESCO India Africa Hackathon.
The present delegates and participants were also addressed by Chairman, AICTE Prof. M. Jagdish Kumar and Chief Innovation Officer, Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education Dr. Abhay Jere.
Lighting of lamp and Saraswati Vandana was followed by a spectacular cultural programme. The highlight of the ceremony was, ‘Vande Mataram’ sung by African students that won the hearts of one and all. The ceremony closed with the vote of thanks by VC, Gautam Buddha University, Prof. R K Sinha.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Dr.Temsüla Ao
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief on the passing away of Dr. Temsüla Ao who played a pivotal role in popularising the wonderful Naga culture through her literary works.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Saddened by the passing away of Dr. Temsüla Ao, who played a pivotal role in popularising the wonderful Naga culture through her literary works. Her efforts in the fields of education and culture were noteworthy. Condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace.”
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across the Country.
Beaches indicator of health of coastal environment; cleaning beaches needs to be made into a public movement: Shri Prakash Javadekar
India sets up an ambitious target of getting the coveted tag for 100 more beaches in next 3 years
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar today virtually hoisted the international blue flags in 8 beaches across the country.India secured the International Blue Flag Certification for these beaches on 6th October 2020, when an International Jury comprising of member organizations UNEP, UNWTO, UNESCO, IUCN, ILS, FEE etc. announced the award at Copenhagen, Denmark. Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by "Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark" based on 33 stringent criteria.
While congratulating and lauding the efforts of the State and central government as well as the people, ShriJavadekar said that neat and clean beaches are an indicator that the coastal environment is in good health and the Blue Flagcertification is a global recognition of India's conservation and sustainable development efforts.
The Environment Minister further informed that hundred more such beaches will be made Blue Flag in coming 3-4 years and highlighted that cleaning beaches needs to be a made a “Jan Andolan”not only for its aesthetic value and tourism prospects, but more importantly towards reducing the menace of marine litter and making coastal environment sustainable.
The beaches where the International Blue Flags were hoisted are: Kappad , Shivrajpur , Ghoghla , Kasarkod and Padubidri , Rushikonda , Golden  and Radhanagar .The Flags were also simultaneously hoisted on these beaches physically by state ministers and senior officials of the respective state and Union territories.
India started its journey of sustainable development of coastal regions on World Environment Day in June’ 2018 by launching its beach cleaning campaign – I-AM- SAVING-MY-BEACH simultaneously at 13 coastal states and thereafter implementing ministry’s coveted program BEAMS.
Today, the introduction of BEAMSprogram in 10 coastal states have resulted into international level of cleanliness at beaches with over 500 tonnes of solid waste collected, recycled and scientifically disposed at these beaches reducing the menace of marine litter by over 78% and marine plastic by over 83%. Approximately 11000 KL of water was saved by recycling & reuse with BEAMS program, which has resulted into an increase in footfall at these beaches by over 85% cumulative.
Ministry of Finance
STRATEGIC TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF AIR INDIA COMPLETED
STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR NEELANCHAL ISPAT NIGAM LIMITED SELECTED
PUBLIC ISSUE OF THE LIC EXPECTED SHORTLY
NATIONAL BANK FOR FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT & NATIONAL ASSET
RECONSTRUCTION COMPANY COMMENCED THEIR ACTIVITIES
CENTRE FOR PROCESSING ACCELERATED CORPORATE EXIT  TO BE ESTABLISHED TO QUICKEN WINDING-UP OF COMPANIES
AMENDMENTS IN IBC TO ENHANCE EFFICACY OF THE RESOLUTION PROCESS
“Towards implementation of the new Public Sector Enterprise policy, the strategic transfer of ownership of Air India has been completed”, said the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget for 2022-23, in Parliament today. She further said that the strategic partner for NINL  had been selected. Also, the public issue of the LIC was expected shortly. Others too are in the process for 2022-23.
Smt. Sitharaman further said that the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development  and National Asset Reconstruction Company had commenced their activities.
Accelerated Corporate Exit
Smt. Sitharaman stated that several IT-based systems had been established for accelerated registration of new companies. She said that now the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit  with process re-engineering, would be established to facilitate and speed up the voluntary winding-up of these companies from the currently required 2 years to less than 6 months.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
The Finance Minister further stated that necessary amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code would be carried out to enhance the efficacy of the resolution process and facilitate cross border insolvency resolution.